Monster Baby: A Curious Romp Through the Worlds of Mindfulness and Improvisation

Sivasailam “Thiagi” Thiagarajan, renowned facilitator, game maker, and general wizard. “You don’t solve problems in life. You keep reconciling paradoxes.” –Thiagi Every now and then—if you’re lucky—you get to spend time “under a mango tree” in the presence of a true master. For Monster Baby Episode #67, Lisa and Ted had such a treat: chatting with experiential learning guru Sivasailam “Thiagi” Thiagaragan. Following few moments to settle in after a slight delay (2:54), Thiagi outlined his understanding of the three types of joy (4:54). Ted asked Thiagi about his keynote presentation on paradox (7:24) and Thiagi relayed his “Rorschach facilitation” style. The trio explored another—that between preparing and improvising—and Lisa discussed her understanding of a speaker’s “crisis of trust.” (18:23) Lisa asked how we can bring people to play if they don’t seem wired for it (22:39) and Thiagi led both through a somewhat playful exercise on death and dying (27:19). Another exercise illustrated the dynamics of addictive behavior (37:25) and the conversation closed with some thoughts on the intersection of absurdity and profundity (46:02). From www.thiagi.com: Dr. Sivasailam “Thiagi” Thiagarajan is the founder and Resident Mad Scientist at The Thiagi Group, an organization with the mission of helping people improve their performance effectively and enjoyably. He has written a monthly GameLetter for 15 years; it currently appears as the GameBlog on this website. As a global nomad, Thiagi has lived in three different countries and has conducted training workshops in 21 others. Earlier in his life, he has been a high-school science teacher, street corner magician, researcher, editor of a professional journal, keynote speaker, college professor, USAID project director, and writer. If you’d like more information on Thiagi, his organization, or their work, please visit www.thiagi.com.   If something in this episode brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us, Ted and Lisa, at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.   For more info or to order Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness, visit www.playfulmindfulness.info. San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #67 Under a Mango Tree: A Conversation with Thiagi appeared first on Anima Learning.

“Check here if you got it done.” Who holds you accountable? Even just a little addition of accountability can make a huge difference in the behavioral choices we make. What the heck makes that work? Given an unexpected gift of time and inspired by an agreement Ted has recently made with a buddy of his, Ted and Lisa dive into Monster Baby episode #66 to explore this very question. They start by musing on their initial lack of a topic (2:41) before Ted explains the Accountability Agreement he just stepped into (5:23). The pair consider why we normally have such a hard time sticking with behaviors we know are good for us (8:24) and acknowledge the therapeutic and amplifying effects of sharing stories (1157). Ted mentions how synching up schedules with a loved one can be motivating (16:00) and Lisa checks in with her mild preferences around having a baby (19:23). The two discuss accountability in improv and why it’s so important to keep communication channels clean (21:09) and that leads Lisa to want in on the experiment (28:08). Ted talks about accountability and mindfulness (or at least, and Buddhism) (33:50), including an analogy about washing potatoes (35:00). They close the podcast with a short consideration of community as part of Buddhist ethics (40:19) and, of course, the usual post-episode reflections in the Outro (42:42). If there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com. For more info or to order Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired new book, Playful Mindfulness, visit www.playfulmindfulness.info. San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #66 Accountability Buddies appeared first on Anima Learning.

Image courtesy of publicdomainpictures.net. What happens if you conspire for joy?   Joy’s a huge part of improv—and hopefully, a huge part of life. On Monster Baby #65, Ted and Lisa explore the ins and outs of this delicious emotion. They start with a laugh-worthy warm-up game of “Convergence” (2:03) and a recap of Lisa’s great day (7:55). Ted distinguishes between improv and not being prepared (10:35) before Lisa shares her inspiration for this episode’s topic (14:36). The pair consider joy as both input and output—on stage and in life—(17:52) before Lisa muses on what makes for joyful improv (19:24). Ted introduces the simple (and godly) joy of creativity (21:56) and the notion of joy as an active antidote for sadness (26:32). Both take time to distinguish between joy and simple pleasures (27:50) and wonder how privilege informs one’s experience of joy in the world (32:28). Lisa then dips into the realm of mindfulness and joy, learning to savor each experience and to choose rose-colored glasses whenever possible (34:59). Ted offers a shout-out to Joy Chatowsky, an inspiring high school friend, and Lisa closes the episode with a fun story from Girl Scout camp where the adults conspired to craft a particularly joyful experience (42:02). What joy can you create in the world? If there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com. For more info or to order Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired new book, Playful Mindfulness, visit www.playfulmindfulness.info. San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #65 Joy Conspiracy appeared first on Anima Learning.

When to say yes and when to say no—how do we know?  Both improv and mindfulness teach us to say yes to the unfolding story of life. But is that the whole story? On this, Monster Baby podcast episode #64, co-hosts Lisa and Ted explore the tension between the poles of yes and no, starting with Lisa’s recent thinking on the subject (1:40). The pair discusses the specific ways improv promotes the tenet of “yes, and” (7:06) and then also introduce the notion of the cheerful “Nope!” (11:02). Ted wonders if there is any “no” within mindfulness (14:48) and uses the astrological archetypes of Jupiter and Saturn to shed some light on this tension (18:57).  When the pair note that saying yes brings different kinds of results than saying no (24:04), Lisa points out a useful question to ask that might lie behind any yes or no decision (29:28). Ted then brings in a past life reading from many years ago and Lisa applies a bit of Enneagram interpretation—we’re getting far afield now, boys and girls! (33:30)—before the conversation circles back around to the importance of saying “no!” in the face of harassment (40:54). If there’s something in the episode you’d like to say “yes!” or “no!” to, feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com. For more info or to order Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired new book, Playful Mindfulness, visit www.playfulmindfulness.info.   San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #64 Yes and No appeared first on Anima Learning.

Can you quiet your Inner Critic and nourish your Inner Coach? Few things block your creativity more than the nastiness of the voices inside your own head. And it’s true for all of us. On episode #63 of the Monster Baby podcast, Lisa and Ted sit down with creativity evangelist, Denise Jacobs, to explore insights and recommendations from her book Banish Your Inner Critic: Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt to Unleash Your Creativity and Do Your Best Work. The trio starts by introducing Denise and the idea of a “creativity evangelist” (1:43), moving from the good news that we’re all creative to the question of what will you DO with that creativity? (9:23) Ted asks for Denise’s help in distinguishing between creative flow and a more mindless obsessiveness (14:05). Lisa inquires about how to quiet the inner critic and wonders about the shape of Denise’s (17:01). That in turn leads to an exploration of Lisa’s inner critic (27:45) and Ted wondering if he even has one (30:39). We hear the wild story of how Denise got asked to fill in for renowned speaker Brené Brown (36:29) and Denise shares a helpful exercise to demonstrate how we can choose which inner voices get the mainstage (46:27). Lisa notes how important it is to learn to trust others’ faith in us (49:07) and Ted wonders how the word “banish” fits in with mindfulness and self-compassion (58:33). The conversation concludes with a distinction between the Inner Critic and the Inner Evaluator or Inner Coach (1:04:31) and the traditional episode wrap-up Outro (1:10:17). If you’d like a copy of Denise’s book, please visit www.innercriticbook.com or www.denisejacobs.com. To order Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired new book, Playful Mindfulness, visit www.playfulmindfulness.info. If you’ve got any questions or encouragements for Lisa and Ted, feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.       San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #63 Simmer Down, Inner Critic (A Conversation with Denise Jacobs) appeared first on Anima Learning.

You are truly special. As is everyone else. Once more, the Monster Baby Podcast shows its affinity for paradox, this time diving into the topic of uniqueness. Ted and Lisa open with a check-in: Ted’s got lottery tickets for Hamilton and the pair struggles for Greek mythological references to describe their state of being (2:26) They continue their warm-up with a few tongue twisters that you can play along with (7:28) before fully entering the realm of this episode’s topic (8:56). Lisa considers whether she’s a unique improvisor and whether it makes sense to purse uniqueness (12:26). Ted asks how improv helps bring out the preciousness of each moment and Lisa clarifies the distinction between preciousness and uniqueness (18:20). Lisa suggests that our universal experiences in life bring us together (21:57) and Ted mentions that the shared nervousness of an improv class has the power to do the same thing (28:25). Though she doesn’t strive for uniqueness, Lisa likes knowing her life is different and agrees that if feels good to be another’s special one (30:47). The pair wonder if we, again paradoxically, show up most uniquely when we get ourselves out of the way, á la the improv principle “Be average.” (35:17) Ted describes the way mindfulness puts us in contact with our ordinariness but then leads to fundamental human wonder and participation (37:26). The episode finishes up with Lisa’s revelation that she may be less “Lisa Rowland” than others think she is (43:30) and Ted’s exploration of how our so-called uniqueness may just be a persona. If you’ve got any questions or encouragements, feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com. For more info or to order Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired new book, Playful Mindfulness, visit www.playfulmindfulness.info.   San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #62 The Uniqueness Paradox appeared first on Anima Learning.

Some family stories are unconventional from the start. Stepping into a vulnerable arena, Lisa shares her consideration of having a child on her own. Ted and Lisa start with an insight about improv and love from Lisa’s recent class (1:59) and note the ways that our environments help shape who and how we are (8:07). Lisa speaks openly about how her different sides and feel about the possibility of being a single parent from the start and then reflects on the power of owning and sharing what’s really going on (9:37). Ted asks how mindfulness and improvisation come into play with the decision and Lisa offers several insights in that direction (22:01). It’s a shorter-than-usual episode but it’s a sweet  one. If you’ve got any questions or encouragements for Lisa feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.comor to write her directly at lisa@mosnterbabypodcast.com. For more info or to order Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired new book, Playful Mindfulness, visit www.playfulmindfulness.info. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.   San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #61 Parenthood without Partnership? Lisa considers motherhood on her own appeared first on Anima Learning.

Have you ever wanted to get a creative vision into the world? In Monster Baby episode #60, Lisa and Ted celebrate the release of Ted’s new book, Playful Mindfulness into the world! The conversation starts with some reflections on Ted’s current voice and presence class (2:14) before Ted describes the error-finding process of bringing the book to completion (5:15). Lisa asks about the arc of Ted’s creative journey, including finding a title, getting helpful advice from outsiders, and identifying the book’s “brand” (10:58). Lisa then offers two ‘interview’ questions: 1) what was the low point of the process? (18:46), and 2) What insights or sections of the book stand out after reading through for the audiobook recording? (24:55). Ted discusses the desire for leaving something behind in the world (30:46) and how this seems like the right time for the Playful Mindfulness message (32:43). To close out the book conversation, Ted offers his gratitude for Lisa’s support along the winding path (37:55). Lisa then offers an update on her life, including her gratitude for the many gifts of improv (43:31). For more info or to order Ted’s new book, visit www.playfulmindfulness.info.   As always, your Monster Baby hosts would be delighted to hear from you. Please send a note, question, or comment to join in the fun of this curious romp: info@monsterbabypodcast.com.   To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.   San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #60 “Congrats…it’s a BOOK!” appeared first on Anima Learning.

What behavior do you really want to encourage? Today’s episode starts with the mind-blowing wonder of Lisa’s recent night out at a magic show (1:41) before Lisa and Ted together jump into the realm of positive reinforcement (11:30). Ted helps clarify some commonly misused terminology (17:59) before sharing some thoughts about the game “Dolphin Training” (21:00). The pair considers the importance of timing when offering feedback, either on- or off-stage (26:36), which leads to Lisa wondering if positive reinforcement screws up improv scenes (27:49). The pair explores more nuances of the subject and question when does paying attention to positive reinforcement go too far (37:36). Lisa asks about the value of giving critical feedback after improv shows (41:04) and acknowledges that how well feedback is received plays a big part in its effectiveness (46:36). The pair explores several ways that positive reinforcement connects with mindfulness (49:21) and closes with a brief update on what’s going on in their lives (58:40). Make sure to stick around for the outro this time, in particular—Lisa and Ted stumble on another cool insight as they’re wrapping things up (1:00:17).   As always, your Monster Baby hosts would be delighted to hear from you. Please send a note, question, or comment to join in the fun of this curious romp: info@monsterbabypodcast.com.   To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.   San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #59 Redefine the Ding: Playing with Positive Reinforcement appeared first on Anima Learning.

Nothing like a near-disaster experience to get you thinking. Lisa and Ted return to the ambient sounds of the Stanford University campus to share Ted’s frightening story of almost taking his friend Dan’s life (3:15). Our intrepid pair again dive into the topic of vulnerability, especially as amplified when we’re stepping out into the world (11:10). Per usual, they explore the mindfulness and improv ramifications of the harrowing scenario (20:29) and in particular consider how improv helps in times of c0mmunity crisis (23:02). Lisa and Ted close with a laugh-worthy riff on the ways in which mindfulness and improv might prepare us well for apocalyptic end times (31:49). Trust us—it’s fun! J As always, Lisa and Ted would be delighted to hear from you. Please send a note, question, or comment to join in the fun of this curious romp: info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #58 Ted’s Harrowing Tale appeared first on Anima Learning.